TV on the Radio

Tunde Adebimpe at a concert in 2004

TV on the Radio is a New York City avant-garde indie-rock vocal band formed in 2001 whose music spans genres as diverse as freeform jazz, a cappella/ doo-wop, psychedelia and trip-hop. The core members are Tunde Adebimpe (vocals/loops), Kyp Malone (vocals/guitars/loops) and David Andrew Sitek (music/guitars/keys/loops) but when live they are accompanied by a full band and on their records they are joined by additional musicians such as Jaleel Bunton (drums), Gerard Smith (bass), both of whom are official members, Katrina Ford of the band Celebration (vocals), Martin Perna (flute/bari & alto sax) of Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra and Nick Zinner (guitar) of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Their first album was the self-released OK Calculator (the title being a reference to Radiohead's seminal album OK Computer), the majority of which is wildly different from their later sound, with elements of electro, hip hop and turntablism. Later they were joined by Kyp Malone and released Young Liars (EP) and Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes (LP) to great critical acclaim, the latter earning them a Shortlist Music Prize. They have since released a second EP, New Health Rock which contains a new track, "New Health Rock"; a cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs's "Modern Romance" and "The Wrong Way", a track formerly available on Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes.

Founding member David Andrew Sitek has produced records with such bands as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Celebration, and the Liars. Currently building his own studio, Sitek is in the process of working on the new TV on the Radio full-length for a 2006 release, as well as producing the first LP for Dragons of Zynth, and working with Dragons of Zynth and UK group Massive Attack on a collaboration for Massive Attack's upcoming New Gothic/soul album. He has also recently mixed the debut album by The Longcut.

As part of the Hurricane Katrina appeal TV on the Radio have recorded "Dry Drunk Emperor", a track made available free through their website.

The catchphrase "This is T. V. on the radio" was also used by British DJ Tommy Vance, referring to his (pseudonymous) initials.

TV on the Radio is (along with Arcade Fire ) one of the favorite active bands of rock icon David Bowie, who also contributes backing vocals on the track 'Province' from TV On The Radio's forthcoming album, "Return to Cookie Mountain."

Discography

• OK Calculator [Demo LP] (2002), self-released
• Young Liars [EP] (2003), Touch and Go Records
• Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes [LP] (2004), Touch and Go Records
• New Health Rock [EP] (2004), Touch and Go Records
• Return to Cookie Mountain [LP] (2006), 4AD Records

Videography

• Dreams (directed by Elliot Jokelson & UVPhactory)
• Staring at the Sun (March 2004, directed by Elliot Jokelson)

Trivia

• Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs appeared in the music video for Staring at the Sun.
• They have covered "Modern Romance" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "Mr. Grieves" by the Pixies, and "Walking The Cow" by Daniel Johnston.

See also

• List of bands from New York

External links

• Official Website
• PUNKCAST#335 Live Vid @ Knitting Factory NYC - Nov 27 2003
• PUNKCAST#414 Live Vid @ Southpaw, Brooklyn - Mar 4 2004

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